Where Do Those Amazing Aerials, Flips, and Jumps in Gymnastics Come From? | Classical Chinese Dance vs. Gymnastics

Key Takeaways:

Before the advent of modern gymnastics, there was classical Chinese dance, which also featured flexible and airborne motion.
The classical Chinese dance form is a hybrid of sorts, with motions that have been taken from martial arts and opera.
Interestingly, from a precognitive stance, these motions are called, Tan Zi Gong, or movements performed on mats.

Martial Arts and Chinese Dance share many common — Martial Arts and Classical Chinese Dance share many common – Shen Yun dance performance

In the years prior to 1980, China showcased some of their top performers with their entry into the Olympic arena whose hi-level flips inspired a new global trend in gymnastics.

Afterwards, many of Chinese dance moves are incorporate into gymnastics/ Some of these moves are also incorporate into acrobatics, cheerleading, and ballet.

“Early gymnastics actually did not have such daring flips and twists.”